"I want to work harder to craft string instruments that make more mature sounds as time passes, just like Stradivarius," Jung told Yonhap News Agency.

Jung graduated from Cremona International Violin Making School, or Scuola Internazionale di Liuteria Cremona, in 2015 before working at the atelier of Italian violin maker Francesco Toto, the gold medal winner of the competition's 2006 event in the cello category.

Despite his brief cello-making career, Jung was reportedly named the winner in recognition of the balance of his cello's four strings and its subtle colors and solid resonance.

"I chose the path of string making since I wanted a vocation to which I could entirely devote my passion," Jung noted. "I put out all my soul into making the cello for a whole year but never expected to win the top prize. I feel like I am dreaming."

Still, he has a long way to go, Jung said.

"My goal is to make instruments for musicians, ones that they feel comfortable with, and they give credit to."

Jung's cello will be purchased by the organizer of the competition for 24,000 euros ($28,000) for a permanent display at its museum, along with other winners.

Also at the same competition, another South Korean luthier, Park Ji-hwan, won two medals, silver in the cello category and bronze in violin, cementing the presence of Koreans in the field of making string instruments. (Yonhap)